Best Cheap Flight Riga Ideas & Full Latvia Travel Guide 2023

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It"s Latvia Time ! Best Full Latvia Travel Guide 2024

Searching for the greatest and most affordable fly riga ideas? You’ll be able to organize your entire trip to Latvia with the aid of our comprehensive travel guide! Have fun perusing our resource! Located in Northern Europe’s Baltic region lies the nation of Latvia. It is a state in the Baltic region. The nation experiences mild seasonal weather. Riga is both its largest and capital city. Speakers of Latvian, one of the two remaining Baltic languages, they are members of the ethnolinguistic Balts group. Russians make up about 24% of the population, making them a significant minority in the nation.

Latvia time

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Table of Contents

Latvia Map

Informations

Temperature: Summer and late spring are the best times to visit the Baltic countries.

Language: The official language is Latvian.

Currency: Euro

Food Prices: Meal in a cheap restaurant=7 EUR, Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant=38 EUR

You can find more information about the visa here.

Notice: Several of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click over and make a purchase, I will get a commission at no extra cost to you. Here is a link to our complete affiliate disclosure.

Things to do

Veczemju klintis

The most striking and vibrant collection of sandstone rocks along the Vidzeme shore are the Veczemju rocks. Here, the waves created a steep bank up to 6 meters high, exposing several hundred meters of red sandstone cliffs with shallow, abrasive caverns, niches, grottoes, and other formations.This beach resort still has the allure of peace and a pure natural setting, even in the absence of cold vacationers. The colors of the rocks differ greatly, from pale hues to deep crimson.

Veczemju klintis

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White dunes

As beach sand was blown across Baltic Ice Lake’s clay silt by wind, the White Dune was created. Local fishermen once used its white, eighteen-meter-tall sand outcrop to help them find their way home. The dune’s white, sandstone-like strata of hardened sand gave rise to its name.

White dunes

Bauske Castle

In the Latvian town of Bauska, there is a complex of two castles: a Renaissance castle and a ruin known as Bauske / Bauska Castle. Situated on the outskirts of the city center, between the Mūša and Mēmele rivers, lies the impressive complex that was constructed by the Livonian Order.

Bauske Castle

Photo Source : Edvinas Nakvosas on Facebook

Victory Park

Situated in the Āgenskalns area of Riga, Victory Park (also known as Uzvaras parks) is a park situated on the left side of the Daugava.The park’s current size is 36.7 hectares.The park was called Riga Petrovsky Park (Russian: Петpовских парк, Latvian: Pētera parks) while Latvia was a part of the Russian Empire. In order to commemorate the bicentennial of Livonia’s handover from Sweden to the Russian Empire during the Great Northern War, it was established in 1909. The Tsar Nicholas II and the Mayor of Riga, George Armitstead, attended the park complex’s official inauguration ceremony in mid-1910.

victory park latvia

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Sigulda Castle

In Latvia, on the outskirts of the Gauja valley, lie the remnants of the Sigulda medieval castle. Originally constructed as a stronghold in the style of a castellum in 1207, the original castle was subsequently transformed into a convent. the home of the Livonian Order’s Land Marshal from 1432

Sigulda Castle

Photo Source : Andreea Trifulescu on Facebook

Kronvalda Park

The Kronvalds Park, formerly known as Strēlnieku dārzs (Schützengarten), is a portion of the green spaces of the former Rigaer Kanalufers. The City Channel divides the Park into two halves. The area was dubbed Kronvalda Parks in the Soviet era and named after Atis Kronvald’s former Kronvald’s Garden.

Kronvalda Park

Photo Source : Riga, I love you on Facebook

Turaida Museum Reserve

The most popular museum in Latvia tells the account of events that occurred as far back as the eleventh century and features exhibits on the history of art, culture, and archeology. Numerous tales are preserved in the museum’s collection, including those concerning the Dainu Kalns (Folksong Hill), the medieval castle and church, the Livs of the River Gauja, and the old manor center. During a formal ceremony in 2022, Turaida’s historic center was awarded the European Heritage Label. The European Heritage Label is comparable to a UNESCO World Heritage list, and it provides a particular designation for heritage places.

Turaida Museum Reserve

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Dome Square

The largest square in the Old Town is called Dome Square. Since everything enters here like seven arteries from seven streets, it is considered the center of the city. In the last 20 years, the square has witnessed numerous events that are noteworthy to Latvia. There’s a designated spot in the square from where you can observe all three of the golden cockerels perched atop the churches in Old Town. Nineteenth- and early twentieth-century buildings encircle the area itself.

Dome Square

Photo Source : Mission Latvia on Facebook

Basteiberg

On the eastern border of Riga, the capital of Latvia, lies a large park called Basteiberg. This public park’s terrain, which included earth walls, covered trenches, bastions, and moats, was a part of the eastern stronghold until 1856. The commander of the powder tower was given charge of this part of the castle.

Basteiberg

Sword Brothers Order Castle Wenden

In Latvia, one of the most recognizable and well-preserved examples of a medieval castle is Cēsis Castle (German: Schloß Wenden). The Livonian Brothers of the Sword erected the castle’s foundations eight centuries ago. The Teutonic Order, the castle’s subsequent proprietors, had the greatest prosperity. It developed into one of the Teutonic Order’s principal administrative and commercial hubs in Livonia and served as the Landmeister’s residence in Livland.The castle suffered its first significant damage during the Livonian War when Ivan the Terrible’s forces besieged it. About 300 persons inside the castle committed mass suicide by setting themselves on fire with gunpowder during the 1577 siege.

Sword Brothers Order Castle Wenden

Latvia National Library

The Ministry of Culture of Latvia is in charge of the National Library of Latvia, popularly referred to as Castle of Light, which is a national cultural institution. Following the declaration of the independent Republic of Latvia in 1918, the National Library of Latvia was established in 1919.

Latvia National Library

Photo Source : Egonslacis on Facebook

Art Nouveau building

Riga’s modern architecture makes up over 30% of all the buildings in the city’s center, making the capital city the site of the world’s largest concentration of modern architecture. Built during a period of strong economic growth, the majority of Riga’s modern buildings originate from between 1904 and 1914. The most common representation of this style is found in apartment buildings with multiple stories.

Art Nouveau building latvia

Photo Source : Sally Jo on Facebook

Cape Kolka

On the Livonian coast of the Latvian Courland Peninsula, Cape Kolka (Livonian: Kūolka nanā, Latvian: Kolkasrags, Old High German: Domesnes) is a cape on the Baltic Sea, close to the entrance to the Gulf of Riga. The Irbe Strait (Irbes šaurums), which forms Estonia’s natural boundary, encircles the cape. The Gulf of Riga’s northwest edge is represented by Cape Kolka. The island of Ruhnu, or Estonia, is located in the center of the Gulf to the east of the cape.Kolka Lighthouse and Kolka Village are located close to the cape. Vaide, Saunags, Pitrags, Košrags, and Sīkrags are among the charming old Livonian communities that border the Baltic Sea coast. These settlements are all part of the culturally protected “Livonian Coast” area.

Cape Kolka

Woehrmann garten

A park located in the Latvian capital Riga is called Wöhrmanns Garten or Wöhrmannscher Park, or Vērmanes dārzs in Latvian. Officially inaugurated in 1817, the oldest public park in Riga had exotic trees, a rose garden, and a dining establishment. Filippo Paulucci, the governor general of Livonia, had the concept for the park’s layout.

Woehrmann garten

Jurmala Beach

Thirty kilometers of varied beaches are available to visitors in the vacation city of Jurmala. It is separated into multiple regions, each with its own beach area, and is situated 20 kilometers from Riga, the capital of Latvia.

Jurmala Beach

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Ķemeri National Park

There are four national parks in Latvia, including the Čemeri National Park. It is situated west of the city of Jūrmala on the Gulf of Riga shore. The region is home to several wetlands, lagoon lakes, and swamps. Certain sulfurous mineral springs are also employed in medicine.

Ķemeri National Park

Photo Source : Elisa Birri on Facebook

Latvian National Opera

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is home to the Latvian National Opera. Originally, the structure was intended to be a “German Theater.”Situated on Aspazijas Boulevard 3 in Riga, the Latvian National Opera and Ballet is both an opera venue and an opera company. Its repertory consists of ballet and opera performances given during the season, which runs from the middle of September to the end of May.

Latvian National Opera

Photo Source : Annija Adamsone Soprano on Facebook

Basilica of the Assumption

One of the most significant Catholic spiritual hubs in Latvia is the Aglonas Roman Catholic Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Latvian: Aglonas Vissvētākās Jaunavas Marijas debesīs uzņemšanas Romas katoļu bazilika). The current church was built in the Italian Baroque style, starting in 1768 and ending in 1780. Consecrated by Bishop J. Benislavski in 1800, it is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. From 1920 to 1924, the church served as the seat of the Riga bishop. After that, newly elevated archbishop Antonijs Springovičs relocated to the Riga Cathedral of St. James. On August 22, 1920, Springovičs was consecrated as a bishop there by Juozapas Skvireckas, the auxiliary bishop of Kaunas.On August 15, the feast day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, thousands of people gather at the Basilica annually. Approximately 300,000 pilgrims attended its religious events, and it is one of the eight international shrines recognized by the Holy See[6]. Pope John Paul II made the Basilica of the Assumption a “Basilica minoris” in 1980, the year it celebrated its 200th anniversary. The same pope paid a visit to the church in September 1993.

basilica of the assumption latvia

Mitau Castle/Jelgava Castle

The greatest Baroque-style palace in the Baltic nations is Jelgava Palace (Latvian: Jelgavas pils), also known historically as Mitau Palace (Latvian: Mītavas pils, German: Schloss Mitau). As a home for the Dukes of Courland in their capital city of Mitau (modern-day Jelgava, Latvia), it was constructed in the eighteenth century according to Bartolomeo Rastrelli’s design. Rundāle Palace, situated around 40 kilometers southeast of Rastrelli, was another vacation residence owned by the Dukes of Courland.Situated on an island between the Lielupe river and its branches, construction on the palace began in 1738. The location was formerly home to a medieval Livonian Order castle as well as the previous Courland dukes of the Kettler dynasty.

Jelgava Castle

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The Swedish Gate

As part of the Riga Wall, the Swedish Gate was built in 1698 to enable access to barracks outside the city wall. It is located in Riga, Latvia. Out of the eight gates that were once there, only these gates still stand. They can be found at 11 Torűa Street. In the book Dogs of Riga, Kurt Wallander makes a visit to the location.

The Swedish Gate

Nativity Cathedral

During the time when Latvia was a part of the Russian Empire, the Nativity of Christ Cathedral (Latvian: Kristus Piedzimšanas pareizticīgo katedrāle, Russian: Хpисторождественский кафедральный собор) was constructed in Riga, Latvia, between 1876 and 1883, following a design by Nikolai Chagin and Robert Pflug in a Neo-Byzantine style. Decorations were created by the firm of August Volz. Constructed with the approval of Russian Tsar Alexander II, the greatest Orthodox cathedral in the Baltic provinces was brought about by the local governor-general Pyotr Bagration and bishop Veniamin Karelin.The icons in the Nativity of Christ Cathedral are well-known, and Vasili Vereshchagin painted a few of them. German forces captured Riga during World War I, converting the city’s greatest Russian Orthodox cathedral into a Lutheran church. In 1921, the Nativity of Christ Cathedral in Latvia underwent another conversion to Orthodoxy. Throughout the early years of Latvia’s independence, the government was particularly hostile to the Orthodox Church, therefore Archbishop Jānis Pommers, a native of Latvia, was instrumental in defending the cathedral. Soviet authorities closed the cathedral and turned its structure into a planetarium at the beginning of the 1960s. Since Latvia reclaimed its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the cathedral has been rebuilt.

Nativity Cathedral

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Riga Castle

The Latvian capital of Riga has a castle called Riga Castle (Latvian: Rīgas pils) situated on the banks of the Daugava River. In 1330, the fortress was established. Between 1497 and 1515, the entire structure was restored. The Swedes built roomy annexes after taking control of the castle in 1641. Between the 17th and the 19th centuries, the castle underwent continuous reconstruction and augmentation. Architect Eižens Laube carried out some renovations perhaps in the 1930s. In 1938, the Latvian government designated the castle as its official residence. In addition to housing many museums, it serves as the President of Latvia’s official house these days.

Riga Castle

Photo Source : Michael Schenk on Facebook

Three brothers

Situated in Riga, Latvia, The Three Brothers (Latvian: Trīs brāļi) is a building complex made up of three houses. Collectively, the residences comprise the most ancient residential complex in Riga. Every house depicts a different stage in the evolution of residential building.The oldest structure, which dates to the late 15th century, is located at 17 Maza Pils Street.Crow-stepped gables, Gothic ornamentation, and a few early Renaissance elements define the building’s exterior. The interior of the structure was once made up of an attic that was used for storage and one huge room. In 1955–1956, architect Pēteris Saulītis refurbished the house.The exterior of the neighboring home, 19 Maza Pils Street, dates from 1646, and a stone gateway was erected in 1746. The building’s style is influenced by Dutch Mannerism. The final dwelling of the trio, situated at 21 Maza Pils Street, is a slender Baroque structure that most likely acquired its current appearance in the latter part of the 17th century. The Latvian Museum of Architecture and the State Inspection for Heritage Protection are currently located in the Three Brothers complex. Three Brothers received the European Heritage Label from the European Commission on April 1, 2020.

Three brothers

Riga Cathedral

Formally known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary, the Riga Cathedral (Latvian: Rīgas Doms; German: Dom zu Riga) is the Evangelical Lutheran cathedral located in Riga, Latvia. The Archbishop of Riga resides there. One of the most well-known sites in Latvia, the cathedral is often depicted in artwork, photos, and travelogues on television. It is well-known for its weathercock, just as the city’s oldest churches. Since the word “Dome” is derived from the German word “dom,” which means “cathedral,” the church is sometimes referred to as the Dome Cathedral.Originally from Lower Saxony in northwest Germany, Livonian Bishop Albert of Riga constructed the church close to the Daugava River in 1211. It is regarded as the Baltic republics’ largest medieval church. Throughout its history, it has experienced numerous changes.

Riga Cathedral

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Turaida Castle

As part of the Riga Wall, the Swedish Gate was built in 1698 to enable access to barracks outside the city wall. It is located in Riga, Latvia. Out of the eight gates that were once there, only these gates still stand. They can be found at 11 Torűa Street. In the book Dogs of Riga, Kurt Wallander makes a visit to the location.

Turaida Castle

Photo Source : Ciprian Murgu on Facebook

Gauja National Park

Der Gauja-Nationalpark, also known as Gaujas nacionālais parks, is the oldest and largest national park in Lettland, covering around 920 km².He was already created in September 1973 and is located near the cities of Cēsis (German: Wenden) and Sigulda (German: Segewold). Gauja River is the source of the park’s name. The region was formerly known as “Livländische Schweiz” in German; it descends from the reddish-brown glittering Sandsteinfelsen in Devon.According to a report by the park administration, there are about 900 plant species, along with 149 bird, 40 fish, and 48 seagull species that are found in the area and are either permanent residents or use it as a picnic area. In addition to Lachsen, one may observe Bären here. Approximately 47% of National Parks are covered in forests. Thus, the National Park contributes to the preservation of the landscape and art throughout all of Europe.

Gauja National Park

Photo Source : Enter Gauja National Park on Facebook

Petri Church and House of the Blackheads

Petri Church is located in the center of the old town of Riga, Latvia, on Pēterbaznīcas iela. The Petri church was Riga’s parish church in the Middle Ages. From an architectural point of view, it is a large, three-aisled basilica, built in the brick Gothic style. The House of the Blackheads is a symbol and one of the main attractions of Riga after its faithful reconstruction.

Petri Church and House of the Blackheads

Rundāle Castle

One of the two important baroque palaces constructed for the Dukes of Courland in what is now Latvia is Rundāle Palace (Latvian: Rundāles pils; German: Schloss Ruhental, previously Ruhenthal or Ruhendahl). The other palace is Jelgava Palace. The palace was constructed between 1736 and 1740 and between 1764 and 1768. It is located 12 km west of Bauska in the Semigallia region at Pilsrundāle in Rundāle Parish, Bauska Municipality.Ernst Johann von Biron, the Duke of the Courland, purchased a medieval castle situated on Rundāle’s land in 1735 with the intention of building a summer home on it. After Bartolomeo Rastrelli’s design began in 1736, the old castle was destroyed and rebuilt.

Rundāle Castle

Photo Source : Alejandro Durán Jiménez on Facebook

Where to stay

What to Eat

  • Biešu Zupa – Beetroot Soup
  • Kartupeļu Pankūkas – Grated Potato Pancakes
  • Kotletes – Minced Meat Patties
  • Skābeņu Zupa – Sorrel Soup
Biešu Zupa – Beetroot Soup, Kartupeļu Pankūkas – Grated Potato Pancakes, Kotletes – Minced Meat Patties, Skābeņu Zupa – Sorrel Soup traditional food latvia

Photo Source : traveldreamdiary.com

  • Grey peas and bacon
  • Siļķe Kažokā – Herring in a Coat
  • Aukstā Gaļa – Cold Meat in JellyRasols – Mixed Vegetable and Meat Salad / Potato Salad
Grey peas and bacon, Aukstā Gaļa – Cold Meat in Jelly, Rasols – Mixed Vegetable and Meat Salad Potato Salad traditional food latvia

Photo Source : traveldreamdiary.com

  • This tasty, traditional Latvian rye bread dish with jam and whipped cream has a structure similar to tiramisu.
  • Blueberry Dumplings
  • Biscuit Cake
  • Floating Islands
Stacks of rye bread, Blueberry Dumplings, Biscuit Cake, Floating Islands desserts latvia

Photo Source : traveldreamdiary.com

Restaurants

The first fine dining establishment in Riga to serve only a set menu is Max Cekot Kitchen. Both locals and visitors to the city adore the 3 Chef’s Restaurant, which features an open kitchen. Authentic Japanese food is available at COD Robata Grill Bar in the center of Riga.

The Whitehouse restaurant, housed in a historic Vermanes Park structure, specializes in high-quality goods and authentic flavors on its menu. One of Riga’s top restaurants, KaĖġu Vārti, has made the shift to the storied Jauniela Street. Experience great dining in Riga Old Town at LeDome Restaurant, including French elements in their food.

Saving Tips

There are a few free walking tours available in Riga. They’re a fantastic method to learn about the city and its people. Traveling to Latvia is most enjoyable in the late spring and summer, which are from May to September.

saving tips latvia

An inexpensive method of traveling the nation is using FlixBus. Latvians often have a highly reserved tipping culture; typically, rounding up the bill to the nearest five to ten percent is sufficient.

If you choose not to go by car and would like further information on tours, things to see, and things to do, we suggest these two firms. They offer tours for any kind of activity you can think of, and you can purchase trips from them for a lot less money than you would if you were to buy them when you get there. Being able to save some money is always beneficial! The greatest things to do in the area are Viator and Get Your Guide!

Shopping

While there aren’t many malls in towns and many city districts, there are supermarkets—large stores that sell a wide range of products, including food. These are part of multiple large chains, the majority of which are international: Maxima is Lithuanian, Rimi is Norwegian, and Prisma is Finnish. Various bazaar-like marketplaces, which are often open in the mornings or just on certain days, are busier places to shop. These are crowded with stalls, kiosks, and small-scale entrepreneurs.

Buying in Riga: A medieval shopping arcade in Latvia is called Bergs Bazaars. Numerous boutiques selling clothing created by regional Latvian designers, cosmetics, and a variety of trendy accessories make up the bazaar. One of Latvia’s most well-known market districts is Kalnciema Street Market. Another sizable mall in Latvia is called Spice Shopping Mall. The shopping center houses 200 stores. The Riga Central Market is the best and most advanced marketplace in all of Europe, in addition to being the biggest.

shopping in Latvia

The Alfa mall, which debuted in 2001, was the first in Riga to feature a Sportland shop and a hypermarket. Another contemporary retail center in Riga is called Mols. The Riga City highway is rather close to the mall. The four-story Stockmann Shopping Center is home to eateries and retail establishments. Riga Plaza is the city of Riga’s center for fashion and entertainment. Galerija Centrs: The mall houses 110 stores in total, along with dining establishments and entertainment venues.

Getting Around

If you don’t have a car, trains are the most convenient way to get to places in Eastern Latvia and the vicinity of Riga. Riga is the starting or finishing point for almost all passenger train routes in Latvia.

getting around Latvia

Where passenger trains are infrequent or nonexistent, buses are the greatest public transportation choice. They travel almost everywhere, but unlike railroads, they are run by numerous businesses, making it more challenging to locate precise timetables. Buses, trams, trolley-buses, and minibuses are the modes of public transportation available in Riga. The public transit system in Riga operates daily from approximately 5 a.m. until well before midnight. On weekends, night buses operate on certain routes during the night.

Getting Here

More than 85 destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America have direct flights to Riga. Many European airlines, including easyJet, Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines, as well as low-cost carrier airBaltic from Latvia, service Rīga International Airport (Lidosta Rīga). From Stockholm, there are ferry connections to Riga. Regular ferries are provided by Stena Line between the German city of Travemünde and Liepaja Passenger Port.

Riga is connected to Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Moscow, Kaunas, and Vilnius by major roadways. Road connections between the north and south have recently been updated. Unless otherwise indicated, the speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on rural roads. There are various roadways with a 100 km/h speed restriction.

There are daily train connections from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Pskov to Riga. Exactly east of the Old Town boundary, in Stacijas Square, is the newly refurbished Riga Central Railway Station. The picturesque cities of Valmiera, Cēsis, Līgatne, and Sigulda are all worth seeing on the daily trains that travel from Valga (Estonia) to Riga. There is no border check between Latvia and Estonia because they are both part of the Schengen area. Between the Riga Airport and the city center, Bus No. 22 runs. It takes about thirty minutes to go from the airport to the city center. Every 10 to 30 minutes, buses depart.

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Best Cheap Flight Riga Ideas & Full Latvia Travel Guide 2023

30 thoughts on “Best Cheap Flight Riga Ideas & Full Latvia Travel Guide 2023”

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